Many parents worry about divorce because they believe their relationship with their children could be at risk. However, the law in Georgia is very clear. It protects the rights of both parents, regardless of their sex.
Most shared parenting scenarios require that parents share both time with the children and legal decision-making authority over them. Parents can trust that they have a right to spend time with their children and have a say in their upbringing.
The courts want to see parents cooperate
The most important consideration in a child custody case in Georgia will be protecting the best interests of the children. Typically, judges want to have both parents spend as much time with the children as is reasonable given the circumstances.
They divide physical custody or time with the children between the parents in a way that reflects their capabilities, availability and current relationship with the children. Judges will also divide the legal custody between the parents. Legal custody is the authority to make decisions about a child’s care and upbringing.
Most of the time, judges expect to see parents reach agreements regarding the school the children attend and the type of medical care that they receive. One parent seeking far more time with the children than the other or control over certain decision-making matters would typically need either the consent of the other parent or evidence that such arrangements would be best for the children.
Co-parents will likely need to regularly communicate about educational and medical matters so that they remain informed and can make effective decisions as issues arise. Understanding the rules that apply to shared custody scenarios in Georgia may help parents transition to co-parenting more gracefully.
